CC's Outdoor Journal; Full Moon Snowshoe

Photo: Picasa

On Saturday, February 23, the night of the full moon, 22 women from Rumford, Peru, Skowhegan, Poland, Lewiston, Auburn, Andover, Turner, Mexico, Sebec and Dixfield joined me in Bethel for a snowy, 3rd Annual Snowshoe & Potluck. (Photos by Joanne Audet)

BETHEL- For the past two years friends have traveled to my home for my annual snowshoe and potluck event. The first year, there were 12, the second, 21 and, this year, 22. Women from all over the state come to laugh, share some delicious food, get great exercise and to meet new friends. It is truly a magical night.

As everyone began to arrive, the aroma inside my house began to make everyone’s mouth water and the sound of laughter kept the mood light. The bar was filled with appetizers such as veggies and hummus, fruit and pistachio dip and cheesy rollups; followed by a scrumptious lasagna, chilli, brocolli and cheese bake, and dessert items of whoopie pies, cookies and needhams, there was enough food for an army. Everyone brought something to share.

Conversations were started, new friends were being made and connections were being realized.

This is the one night a year that these women look forward to getting away with other women, enjoying great food and getting outdoors to snowshoe and enjoy the fresh air.

As the snow was piling up and the fluffy flakes continued to fall to the ground, it was time to give our bellies a rest and head outside for a frolic through the woods, and other surprises that lurked in the shadows. Literally.

We twisted our way through the woods by the light of our headlamps, made our way out across a couple of fields, took a group picture in the blowing snow and watched as flash after flash went off, capturing excited smiles and forever memories.

As we neared the halfway point, the group had split into two and were about 50 yards apart, when the second group began to yell. There was something coming through the dark, something making noise they couldn’t make out.

“I swear, it was a coyote,” stated Rosie Bradley. “It’s legs were moving like it was lurking out there ready to get us. It was scary.”

Come to find out, our last friend to arrive and energy leader, Carol Emery, decided to come out and find us and followed our “road” through the darkness.

“It was neat seeing all of your headlamps out in the distance and catching up with you,” stated Carol. “It was a great night for a walk in the snow.”

As Carol caught up with us and we all joined together we practiced a couple energy exercises by forming a vortex of energy in the middle of the field. Amazing moments with some amazing women. And, opening our eyes and looking up, there was the full moon showing through the clouds and snow.

Once we completed the energy exercises, we continued on back toward my home. All the while, taking pictures, laughing at a thought-to-be broken snowshoe and enjoying our time out in the snow.

Throughout the night, I had a few surprises for the women. Just for showing up each woman received a bracelet, handmade by Sandy Witas of Emma’s Pretties and a pair of cozy fleece socks handmade by Nona Holland of Meme’s Imperfect Creations.

Now, they were in for another surprise. Some were a little intimidated about stepping any closer into the trees, but the others who hadn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary were already upon the large black blob hanging from the tree.

All of a sudden, someone realized it was a pinata and the whole group was filled with delight and good energy.

As each woman shut off their headlamp, they remembered the numbers on their bracelets and began to take their three turns at hitting the decorated box filled with chocolate and nuts.

At number nine, Joanne Audet’s mittens got wrapped around the tether and I almost hung her in the tree, attached to the box. Laughter erupted.

At number 11, Rosie’s reaction was quicker than mine on her third try, as she slammed the box and it came crashing to the ground. What fun!

After all the goodies were picked up out of the snow, we made our way back home where hot and cold drinks, and the display of comfort foods awaited us.

I surprised the ladies with a few more prizes, we chatted, laughed, took more pictures and then one-by-one, everyone began to gather themselves to brave the storm home.

My greatest memory of the evening is that of women who have never met making a connection that may never have otherwise been made. For women that may not talk or hang out in their corner of the world, to have made a new friend.

How will you honor the friends in your life?